Utility probe with resilient fingers

Abstract

A utility probe for use with component is disclosed. The probe includes a body; a shaft extending from the body; and an array of resilient fingers extending from the shaft.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electrical utility probe configured to engage an electrical component having an eye, comprising:
 a body having an upper portion with first and second opposing ends and a lower portion extending from the upper portion; 
 a removable shaft extending outwardly from the first end, parallel to an axis extending through the first and second opposing ends; 
 wherein the lower portion of the body extends from the upper portion of the body in a direction perpendicular to the axis; and 
 an array of resilient fingers extending from the shaft. 
 
     
     
       2. The probe of  claim 1 , further including a hook extending from the second end of the body opposite the shaft. 
     
     
       3. The probe of  claim 1 , further including a disk-like head disposed at a distal end of the shaft. 
     
     
       4. The probe of  claim 1 , wherein the lower portion further includes a pole mount, the pole mount including a slot and a plurality of splines configured to engage complimentary splines of a line pole. 
     
     
       5. The probe of  claim 1 , wherein the resilient fingers are integrally formed with a sleeve that fits over the shaft. 
     
     
       6. The probe of  claim 1 , wherein the resilient fingers are connected to the shaft. 
     
     
       7. An electrical utility probe configured to mount to an end of a line pole, comprising:
 a body having an upper portion with first and second opposing ends and a lower portion extending from the upper portion, the lower portion including a pole mount to mount the body to a line pole; 
 a shaft extending outwardly from the first end of the body, parallel to an axis extending through the first and second opposing ends, wherein the shaft, upper portion, and lower portion cooperatively form an L-shape; and 
 an array of resilient fingers secured to the shaft, the resilient fingers being arranged in a series of rows and extend radially outwardly from the shaft. 
 
     
     
       8. The probe of  claim 7 , wherein the shaft includes a head disposed at a distal end of the shaft. 
     
     
       9. The probe of  claim 7 , wherein the resilient fingers are integrally formed with a sleeve, the sleeve having an inside diameter and a longitudinal slot to permit the sleeve to snap over the shaft. 
     
     
       10. An electrical utility probe configured to engage an electrical component having an eye, comprising:
 a body having an upper portion with first and second opposing ends and a lower portion adapted to mount the body to a line pole; 
 a shaft extending outwardly from the first end, the shaft including a head disposed at a distal end thereof; 
 an array of resilient fingers secured to the shaft, the resilient fingers extending radially outwardly from the shaft; and 
 a hook extending outwardly from the second end of the body, wherein the shaft, body, and hook cooperatively form a T-shape. 
 
     
     
       11. The probe of  claim 10 , wherein the lower portion includes a slot and a plurality of splines configured to engage complimentary splines of the line pole. 
     
     
       12. A method of using the probe of  claim 1  including the steps of:
 inserting the shaft into the eye of the electrical component such that the resilient fingers engage the eye of the electrical component; and 
 lifting the electrical component out and lowering the electrical component to the ground, the resilient fingers maintaining the electrical component on the shaft as it is lowered to the ground. 
 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12 , further including the steps of:
 connecting the body to a line pole; 
 using the probe to move the electrical component from a closed position to an open position to permit the electrical component to be lifted out and lowered.